CONTRIBUTIONS BY HANNAH BROL, WESLEY GARDNER & BROOKE SJOBERG BY EMILY LINCKE
“[Smaller campuses] absolutely give us the opportunity to know our kids—and that’s our whole goal. We’re creating a holistic child and preparing them for life after Harmony.” SALLY MAGNUSON, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING, HARMONY PUBLIC SCHOOLS HOUSTON NORTH DISTRICT Smaller class sizes: Some parents prefer students to have smaller class sizes with more opportunity for one-on-one instruction. Special programming: Parents shared that they chose their children’s school for specific programming, such as International Baccalaureate or career development. Religious affiliation: Maintaining a religious aspect to education was another reason cited by parents looking for alternative options. Community Impact interviewed a handful of Texas parents to learn more about why they chose charter schools for their students as opposed to their zoned school district. Choosing charters
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Academy through Houston ISD, where she says her son is thriving. “His grades are up, and he’s able to focus on the curriculum,” Dramis said. “We’re even going on more field trips as a family.” Meanwhile, Spring and Klein ISDs both offer specialized programming at select campuses. SISD offers atypical learning programs, including Momentum High School, a school of choice with blended in-person and virtual classes; Spring Early College Academy, where students can earn a high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously; and partnership pathways with Lone Star College. Similarly in KISD, Klein Oak High School boasts an International Baccalaureate program, and KISD’s Early College High School partners with LSC-University Park to give students an opportunity to earn up to 60 hours of tuition- free college credit while earning their high school diploma.
In north Houston, around a dozen charter schools have opened in the last decade, including Harmony and Idea public schools, School of Science and Technology campuses, and Sam Houston State University charter schools, among others. “Not everyone is meant to go to a big ISD—it’s easy to get lost there,” said Sally Magnuson, director of communications and marketing for Harmony Public Schools Houston North District. “For probably 90% of kids, it works out great. But for the others who can’t afford private school, it’s a really good choice.” Since its inception in 2006, Harmony Public Schools Houston North District has grown to include 11 campuses. Statewide, the charter school system comprises 65 campuses and plans to reach 70 campuses by 2025, Magnuson said. Mary Dramis, who lives within KISD’s boundaries, opted to enroll her seventh grade son at the virtual school program Texas Connections
SOURCES: GEORGETOWN ISD, HUTTO ISD, PFLUGERVILLE ISD, ROUND ROCK ISD PARENTS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Primary care providers who specialize in you.
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SPRING - KLEIN EDITION
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